The Health Benefits of Desserts: A Guide to Nutritious and Delicious Indulgences
The dessert menu has so much to offer and it’s a great way to end a meal. But if you’re counting calories and watching your diet, desserts might not be the most suitable indulgence. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy a sweet and decadent dessert without compromising your health. In this guide, we will explore some of the nutritious and delicious options you can have for dessert and why this sweet indulgence can have many benefits for your health.
Nutritional Benefits of Desserts
When you think about desserts, it’s easy to assume that they don’t offer any nutritional value. But that’s not necessarily true. Desserts can be a great source of important vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of different types of desserts:
Fruits
Fruit-based desserts not only contain natural sweeteners but they are also packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Apples contain vitamin C, blueberries are rich in fiber, and strawberries offer a good source of potassium. Fruits are also naturally low in calories and fat, making them a great way to indulge without overindulging.
Cakes
Cakes are not only a tasty treat, but they can also be a healthy snack. A small piece of cake 90-100 g per serving) contains around 160 calories. The calories in a slice of cake come mostly from carbohydrates and fat, which are not only necessary for proper body function but also a good source of energy.
Cakes also provide dietary fiber and essential minerals like calcium, iron and zinc. Plus, a healthy cake made with whole-wheat flour, fresh fruits, low-fat milk and natural sweeteners will give you a nice dose of B vitamins, which contribute to proper energy metabolism and promote a healthy nervous and immune system.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is one of the most popular desserts, and the good news is that it can offer some health benefits. Ice cream is normally made with 3 basic ingredients: milk, sugar, and cream.
Ice cream has some nutrients that are important for good health, such as calcium and protein. Plus, it is a good source of B vitamins and potassium, which are necessary for proper energy metabolism and cognitive development. However, it’s important to note that ice cream is also high in sugar, fat and calories, so it should be eaten in moderation.
Puddings
Puddings are delicious and creamy desserts that can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as eggs, milk, cream, and sugar. Puddings can provide important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients depending on the ingredients that are used. For example, custard pudding is a great source of calcium and protein.
The Benefits of Eating Dessert
It’s no secret that desserts can be a bit indulgent, but they can also offer some great benefits. Here are some of the benefits of having a sweet treat.
Improves Mood
It’s no secret that a sweet dessert can trigger the release of feel-good hormones in the brain. This can help to improve your mood, reduce stress and even improve your sleep quality. Dark chocolate and certain desserts made with honey are especially good for boosting the mood.
Enhances Memory
Some research suggests that certain ingredients used in desserts can help to improve memory and cognitive function. For instance, a study found that eating desserts containing cocoa can boost cognitive performance and protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline.
Increases Libido
Certain desserts are known to increase libido. Some of the best libido-boosting desserts include dark chocolate and honey, both of which contain ingredients that can stimulate the production of serotonin and improve mood.
Delicious and Nutritious Dessert Recipes
Now that you know the benefits of eating desserts, let’s explore some nutritious and delicious dessert recipes that you can make.
Strawberry and Chia Seed Pudding
This light and creamy pudding is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing important vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of plain yogurt
- ¼ cup of chia seeds
- ½ cup of freshly chopped strawberries
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes
Instructions:
1) Combine the yogurt and chia seeds in a bowl and stir until combined.
2) Add the strawberries and honey and stir until combined.
3) Add the vanilla extract and stir until combined.
4) Optional: Add the coconut flakes.
5) Refrigerate the pudding for 1-2 hours.
6) Serve chilled and enjoy!
Apple Pie Smoothie
This is a healthy and delicious smoothie that tastes just like apple pie!
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- ½ cup of plain yogurt
- ½ cup of almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Ice, as needed
Instructions:
1) Combine the apple, yogurt, almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and honey in a blender.
2) Blend until smooth.
3) Add ice, as needed, and blend until desired consistency is reached.
4) Serve and enjoy!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Cookies make for a great snack, and these oatmeal raisin cookies are a delicious and nutritious way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- ¼ cup of melted coconut oil
- 1 egg
- ½ cup of raisins
Instructions:
1) Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C).
2) In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar.
3) In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, egg and raisins.
4) Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
5) Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet.
6) Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
7) Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, desserts don’t have to be unhealthy. You can still indulge in something sweet without compromising your health. Plus, many desserts can offer important vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. So the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, try one of the delicious and nutritious recipes listed in this guide.